Bowls

Is bowls the right fit for me?

When it comes to being active it’s not always about speed and power, sometimes accuracy is the key. Take bowls, for example, it’s an outdoor game that you can play at your own pace which focuses on skill and precision.

Usually played on a lawn at local parks, you throw or roll a small white ball called a jack, then roll other larger balls towards the jack trying to get them as close as possible. It involves a smart touch and lots of strategy, which is actually loads of fun! The more you practice the better you’ll get, so you might want to enter one of the regular local competitions once you get started.

Is this suitable for me?

Bowls can be enjoyed by all ages with all levels of fitness. It’s really low impact and doesn’t involve any long periods of intense activity. It’s one of the safer sports for those who aren’t used to being active or those who are pregnant.

It’s often viewed a sport for older people, but people of all ages can join in. There are lots of young people who play the game and you might be surprised how much fun it can be.

How will it benefit me?

Bowls has many benefits, one of the most popular is the social aspect. Because bowls is usually played in large groups it’s really great for making new friends. It can also improve your mood and introduce you gently to keeping fit among many others:

Improve muscle strength

Improve flexibility and endurance.

Helps alleviate depression and anxiety.

Helps improve co-ordination and concentration

Improve Confidence

Teaches self-discipline

Improve social skills

Gives a sense of belonging.

Reduce the risk of heart disease

Reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes

Reduce the risk of stroke

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How much will it cost me?

The cost of playing bowls with a club varies from place to place, but it’s usually very reasonable. If you think bowls sounds like your cup of tea, it’s best to contact your local club to find out times of play and cost. Most charge an annual fee for joining, although some clubs do have pay and play facilities.

If you are planning on playing bowls regularly it may be a good idea to look at the prices of buying your own set. These vary from place to place, so it may be worth asking your local club if they allow you to buy/hire the equipment from them.

Can I do this near me?

How do I start?

If you’ve never played bowls before there are a few things to consider before your first game. You may want to have bowls lessons in advance to make sure you get the technique and have the correct grip on the bowl.

It’s also a good idea to wear weather appropriate clothes too as you could be outdoors for long periods of time. For example, a sun hat if it’s hot or a warm coat in the winter.